Total oxidation of propane in Ag-doped MnCeO_x catalysts: The role of Ag species

The development of highly active catalysts for eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low temperature is desirable but remains challenging. In this study, a series of Ag-loaded MnCeO_x catalysts were fabricated. Catalysts with an Ag loading of 5 wt% exhibited the highest catalytic activity (T₉₀ = 242 °C) and excellent stability in H₂O, NO₂, and CO atmosphere. Characterization results revealed that the introduction of Ag increased Mn⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺ concentrations and enhanced surface oxygen migration capability, which is conducive to the adsorption and dissociation of propane and O₂. Combining in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform and discrete Fourier transform calculation revealed a novel propane oxidation pathway on MnCeO_x and Ag/MnCeO_x. The addition of Ag species can convert propane into propylene in the initial stage and reduce the activation energy. This study supplied a novel insight into Ag-doped catalysts catalytic mechanism for VOCs oxidation reaction.